Ten in every 200 children develop scoliosis by the age of 10 to 15 years. 1 in every 200 has clinical symptoms related to the curvature. Boys and girls are equally effected, but in girls 3-5 times more times to progress and have a negative impact on their daily lives.
Curvature are more likely to progress during times of rapid bone growth. 75% to 95% of scoliosis in children are discovered by the ages of 10 to 15 years. Screening during these age groups are recommended.
Description
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that makes the spine look more like an "S" or "C" than a straight "I". Note that it is not always obvious for the untrained eye.
Scoliosis can cause the bones of the spine to turn (rotate) so that one shoulder, scapula (shoulder blade), or hip appears higher than the other.
Cause
In most cases of scoliosis, the exact cause is not known. However, scoliosis can occur in several people within a family. When it does, there is probably a genetic component to its cause.
Other causes can include:
- Limb length discrepancy (structural)
- Osteomalacia (inflation in the bone)
- Psoas syndrome (hip-flexor contracture)
- Healed leg fracture
Children with scoliosis normally do not show any symptoms of pain. Yet by checking them at the appropriate age (10-15 years), the scoliosis can be found and prevent many spinal problems in adulthood. For this reason school children should be routinely screen for scoliosis. The only indication to parent or child may only notice that clothing does not fit properly (uneven wear on pants and shoes).
As the person gets older, several symptoms will present, they include:
- Arthritis
- Back and neck aches
- Chest pains
- Headaches
- Organ dysfunction
The medical practitioner will ask your child to bend forward, which will show any deformities. This is called the "Adam's forward bend test." He or she will also check for any limb-length discrepancies, abnormal neurological findings, or other potential causes.
Treatment
The type of treatment required depends on the kind and degree of the curve, the child's age, and the number of remaining growth years until the child reaches skeletal maturity.
- For mild scoliosis:
- Osteopathic manipulative treatment
- Correct exercises
- Functional orthotics
- Patient and family education
- For moderate scoliosis bracing can be added to above treatments.
- For major scoliosis surgery could be considered.
Scoliosis Examination and treatment can be done at Mayfair Wellness by Dr Karla van Zyl.
